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Can you give me more info on the Model of a Bull?

The main point of interest with that object is that the single bone could stand for the whole animal. Bulls, of course, are very large so the bull-shaped bundle was much more practical. The bull was actually one of the most important animals in Egyptian mythology. One sacred bull, the Apis bull, lived in the temple of Ptah and was thought to be a manifestation of the god. When the Apis bull died, a new one was sought out. They were identified by their unique markings including a white spot on the forehead.

Tell me more.

This animal mummy actually only contains a single bone, that is possibly but not definitely from a bull. The elaborate shape of the wrapping was done in order to compensate for the lack of real animal remains.

Bulls and cows in ancient Egypt were commonly used for food and as beasts of burden, but their strength and fertility also became associated with royal power.

Model of a Bull

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

This linen model of a bull encloses a single bone, perhaps bovine. Votive mummies could contain only part of the animal. Often, elaborate wrappings seem to substitute for the animal itself.

"CUR" at the beginning of an image file name means that the image was created by a curatorial staff member. These study images may be digital point-and-shoot photographs, when we don\'t yet have high-quality studio photography, or they may be scans of older negatives, slides, or photographic prints, providing historical documentation of the object.

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

Can you give me more info on the Model of a Bull?

The main point of interest with that object is that the single bone could stand for the whole animal. Bulls, of course, are very large so the bull-shaped bundle was much more practical. The bull was actually one of the most important animals in Egyptian mythology. One sacred bull, the Apis bull, lived in the temple of Ptah and was thought to be a manifestation of the god. When the Apis bull died, a new one was sought out. They were identified by their unique markings including a white spot on the forehead.

Tell me more.

This animal mummy actually only contains a single bone, that is possibly but not definitely from a bull. The elaborate shape of the wrapping was done in order to compensate for the lack of real animal remains.

Bulls and cows in ancient Egypt were commonly used for food and as beasts of burden, but their strength and fertility also became associated with royal power.